Page:Memoirs of Margaret Fuller Ossoli (IA memoirsofmargare01fullrich).pdf/333

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CONVERSATIONS.
331

the earnest purpose with which she came, and, with great tact, indicated the indiscretions that might spoil the meeting.”


Here is Margaret’s own account of the first days.


TO R. W. E.

‘25th Nov., 1839. — My class is prosperous. I was so fortunate as to rouse, at once, the tone of simple earnestness, which can scarcely, when once awakened, cease to vibrate. All seem ina glow, and quite as receptive as I wish. They question and examine, yet follow leadings; and thoughts, not opinions, have ruled the hour every time. There are about twenty-five members, and every one, I believe, full of interest. The first time, ten took part in the conversation; the last, still more. Mrs. ——— came out in a way that surprised me. She seems to have shaken off a wonderful number of films. She showed pure vision, sweet sincerity, and much talent. Mrs. —— —— keeps us in good order, and takes care that Christianity and morality are not forgotten. The first day’s topic was, the genealogy of heaven and earth; then the Will, (Jupiter); the Understanding, (Mercury): the second day’s, the celestial inspiration of genius, perception and transmission of divine law, (Apollo); the terrene inspiration, the impassioned abandonment of genius, (Bacchus). Of the thunderbolt, the caduceus, the ray, and the grape, having disposed as well as might be, we came to the wave, and the sea-shell it moulds to Beauty, and Love her parent and her child.

‘I assure you, there is more Greek than Bostonian